Itinerary

DAY 1. PICK UP AIRPORT IN MAKASSAR

Arrival at the airport, meet and greet with our representative and then he will escort you directly to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free.

Makassar is the capital of South Sulawesi, which was called Ujung Pandang between 1972 and 1993. Because of its central location, Makassar acts as a gateway to Indonesia's eastern islands. The island of Sulawesi, formerly Celebes is the world's 10th largest island with an area of 174,600 km2. However, the island has much to offer for the adventurous traveler.

DAY 2. MAKASSAR CITY TOUR

After breakfast in the hotel, we start the day with a boat trip to coral island. Next, you will make a city tour in Makassar. You will visit the port of Paotere where the wooden traditional sailing ships 'phinisi' have been shown for centuries. The city also has a rich historical past, Fort Rotterdam is a reminder of the Dutch colonial era. Then you will transfer back to the hotel.

DAY 3. MAKASSAR - MAROS

Our journey starts with an excursion to the Maros highlands. The wondrous and uniquely shaped limestone rocks where the Bantimurung - Bulusaraung national park has recently come to life. However, we will hike through rice fields, passing typical Buginese houses and limestone rocks to a cave with prehistoric images. Along the way, we'll drink tea in a traditional house and then travel by canoe or boat through a narrow river. Then you will go to the accommodation for check-in.

DAY 4. MAROS - MAMASA

The journey continues today with an adventurous drive via the western coast to Mamasa. Mamasa is a hidden part of Torajaland, it is a pure and authentic area with beautiful nature where few tourists visit. Then you will go to the bungalow in Mamasa.

DAY 5. MAMASA DAY TRIP

Around Mamasa, you can take beautiful walks in exuberant nature. Rice fields alternate with stony red soil and forested slopes. Also, you will visit an ancient, traditional cemetery with wooden tombs shaped like buffaloes. Then you will enter small villages where the local people will come to see you. And we will take a look at the authentic villages of Banua Sura, Orobua and Buntu Kasisi.

DAY 6. MAMASA - RANTEPAO

Early in the morning, we drive via an inland route to the mountainous district of Tana Toraja, home of the Toraja people (the meaning is 'people of the mountains' or 'people of the west'). The Toraja call their traditional religion 'aluk to dolo' and live according to the laws and rituals made by their ancestors and gods. Particularly characteristic are house building and impressive funerals. Arrive in Rantepao, you will go to the hotel for check-in.

DAY 7. TORAJA DAY TRIP

Today you will do a cultural tour by van and then a short walk along the main villages of Torajaland with a local guide. First, you will visit the Ketekesu village, where you can see the “tongkonan houses or Toraja Adat”. However, the richly carved Toraja houses with their beautiful gabled roofs. Although most Toraja are Christian, their traditions live on unabated. Next, you will see the different ways the Toraja bury their dead. You will take a look at the high rock tombs Lemo and Londa, these are beautiful graves with carved stones and are guarded by the tau tau ‘statue’ dolls.

DAY 8. TORAJA WALKING TOUR

After breakfast, you will hike through the kampungs in Torajaland. The picturesque villages are set in a mountainous landscape dominated by rice terraces and then bamboo forests. The culture of the Toraja can be called unique. Because they live in beautiful houses (tongkahans) with characteristic roofs full of buffalo horns, carved doors and windows. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours, and then you will stay overnight in a Toraja house or a local Homestay.

DAY 9. TORAJA CYCLING TOUR

After a simple breakfast, we will take a bicycle tour through the kampungs. However, if there are ceremonies or Karbauwen market, these will be scheduled during the tours. You will spend the night at the same hotel as on days 6 and 7. It is very special to witness a funeral ceremony. Usually, it takes place in July and August. The graves are often interred in rock walls. Also, you will see the famous Tau Tau dolls representing the deceased.

DAY 10.  TORAJA - SENGKANG

Our trip continues today towards Sengkang via Palopo. We will arrive in Sengkang in the afternoon, a quiet town with a population living in wooden stilt houses. Then we make an exciting trip with a motorized canoe across the bird-rich Tempe Lake. Meanwhile, the people are living in floating houses on this lake. And on the way back to the city of Sengkang, you also can watch the process of traditional silk weaving.

DAY 11. SENGKANG - MALINO

After breakfast, the journey continues to Malino highlands. The pleasantly cool mountain town lies on the lower slopes of Mount Bawakaraeng and was popular as a weekend retreat in colonial times. Meanwhile, the fertile soil also makes for photogenic rice terraces. On the way you will make a stop at the village of Tanaberu, where you will visit the shipyard. Next, you will make a stop at the village of Patapang, you also can take a scenic walk at the tea plantation.

DAY 12. MALINO WALKING TOUR

Today we take a walk through the paddy fields, the kampungs and then the waterfalls. Malino highland is a cool mountain-town located on the lower slopes of Mount Bawakaraeng. However, it was popular as a weekend retreat in colonial times. The fresh mountain air, the forests and the waterfalls make this area perfect for a long walk. Also, the fertile soil creates green rice terraces where you can take beautiful pictures. Along the way, you will cheerfully be welcomed and waved by the curious locals. Besides, not many tourists come here, which makes meeting the locals extra special.

DAY 13. MALINO - BIRA BEACH

We continue the journey after breakfast to Bira. You will make a stop at an area called Tana Tua, the traditional homeland of the Kajang. The tribe lives by traditional rules in harmony with nature that provides them with everything they need. Food is grown, houses are made of wood and palm leaves and clothes are self-woven and dyed. However, Kajang has already accepted some modern changes but the adat is still strong. When visiting the village, you should be dressed in black yourself. To reach the village, you will walk barefoot and back for half an hour. In the afternoon, you will arrive in the small fishing village of Bira and go to your accommodation for check-in.

DAY 14. BIRA BEACH

You have a day off. You can explore the village and its surroundings on your own, either on foot or by (motor) bike. The local people are fishing, building boats and weaving colorful clothes. Also, Bira has a clear sea and white sandy beaches. Meanwhile, if you want to go snorkeling, you can cross by boat in the morning to the islet of Liukang Bira with its beautiful beach, colorful fish and corals.

DAY 15. BIRA - MAKASSAR

Today you will transfer back to Makassar. On arrival, you will be taken to the hotel for check-in and the rest of the day can be spent as you wish.

DAY 16. AIRPORT MAKASSAR

Unfortunately, it is time to say goodbye to beautiful Sulawesi. You will be picked up at your desired time and transfer to the airport to return home or continue your journey to another island.

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